Bill would punish schools for banning fake guns

WASHINGTON, July 11 (UPI) -- A bill introduced in the U.S. House this week would deny federal aid to schools that penalize students for imaginary gun battles.

Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas, said the legislation is needed because schools have suspended children for playing cops and robbers or for pointing their fingers, cocking them imitating a handgun, The Hill reported. He called these activities "harmless expressions of childhood play."

A 14-year-old was suspended from a Kentucky school for wearing a National Rifle Association T-shirt, Stockman said. In another case, a boy was disciplined in Maryland for eating a pastry into a gun shape.

"This government-sanctioned political correctness is traumatizing children and spreading irrational fear," the bill says.

The measure said federal funds would be cut off to schools that penalize students for playing with fake guns or for wearing clothing supporting the Second Amendment.

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